Drill pipe protector



April 25, 1933. E. CRAIG ET Al.

DRILL PIPE PROTECTOR Filed April 5, 1930 2 Sheets-Sheet l M W w a M L MW April 25, 1933. E. CRAIG ET AL DRILL PIPE PROTECTOR Filed April 5, 1930 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Patented Apr. 25, 1933 PA'IENT oFFlcE EDWARD CRAIG AND WILLIAM O. COOPER, OF BREA, CALIFORNIA DRILL PIPE PROTECTOR Y Application mea Aprn 5, 1930. serial No. 411,342.

This invention relates to a device for use on well drilling apparatus and relates more particularly to a protective guide and bearing device for rotary drill pipe.

Itis a general object of the invention to provide a device thatis adapted to be applied to a string of rotary drill pipe, or the like, to prevent the drill pipe from becoming excessively worn due to engagement with the walls of the well bore or the well casing and to prevent the casing from becoming worn due to the swinging or eccentric motion of the drilling string and which operates to guide the string of drill pipe so that a drilling tool at its lower "1 end will drill a straight hole.

It. is an object of the invention to provide a simple, practical, and effective protector or bearing device for rotary drill pipe.

It is another object of the invention to prozo vide a device of the character mentioned that may be easily and quickly applied to the drill pipe and which embodies novel and improved means for tightly setting or securing it on the drill pipe.

r" It is another object of the invention to provide a drill pipe protector that may be mounted on the drill pipe to operate within casing set in the well or to operate in the open well bore below the lower end of the set 302 casing and that may be mounted on the drill pipe, drill pipe couplings, drill collars, or any other part of the drilling string.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a drill pipe protector of the characl ter mentioned that embodies rotatable rollers for engaging the casing or well bore thatare mounted so that they are not subjected to becoming mudded up or crushed or made inoperative through use. f

Other objects and features of our inventionwill be best and more fully understood from the following detailed description of typical forms and applications of our invention, throughout which description reference o Vis had to the accompanying drawings, in

which.

F ig. l is a view illustrating a portion of a string of drill pipe within a well bore showing devices provided by this invention mounted on the string. Fig. 2 is a transverse sectional view through a drill pipe within a well casing illustrating one form of protector provided by this invention mounted on the drill pipe. Fig. 3 is an enlarged vertical detailed sectional view taken as indii cated b v line3 3 on Fig. 2. Fig. 4 is an enlarged vertical vdetailed sectional view taken as indicated byline 4 4 on Fig. 2. Fig. 5 is an enlarged vertical detailed sec* g tional view taken substantially as indicated ,601i by line 5 5 on 2. Fig. 6 is an enlarged vertical detailed sectional view taken as indicated by line 6 6 on Fig. 2. Fig. 7 is a-v transverse sectional view of a drill pipe within a well casing illustrating another form of the invention applied to the drill pipe. Fig. 8 is a vertical detailed sectional view taken l as indicated by line 8 8 on Fig. 7. Fig; 9 is an enlarged vertical detailed sectional view taken as indicated by line 9 9 on Fig.'7. A f 70 The device provided by our present'inven'- tion is adapted to be mounted on an operating or drilling string of drill pipe, or the like, to be operated within'a Well, and a plurality of devices may be mounted on thej drilling string at spaced intervalsl to operate either inthe portion of the lwell -in -which casing has been set or in the open well bore below the lower end of the set casing. The protectors may be suitably proportioned' for application to the drill pipe, drill collars, drill pipe couplings. etc., of various sizes and4 for use either in well casing or an open well. Aiore. In Fig. l of the drawingsrwe have 85, illustrated two of the protectors mounted on adjoining lengths of drill pipe P extending through well casing C and have illustrated a protector mounted on a drill collar F for operationawithin the open well bore W below the lower end ofthe casing C. Atypical fishtail type of drilling bit B is shown car ried by the drill collar Fat the lower end of the string of drill pipe P. Any number of the protectors may be mounted' on a string 95 of drill. pipe, or the like, at spaced intervals as desired or necessary, andtherefore the invention is not to be construed as l'imited to the particular arrangement of the protectors mounted on successive lengths of drill pipe as illustrated in Fig. 1 of the drawlnofs.

In practice it is sometimes inconvenient and undesirable to arrange the protectors on the drill pipe by sliding them over an end of the pipe. The'invention may be embodied in a form which is adapted to be arranged on the drill pipe without being slid over the end of the pipe as well as in a form which may be applied to the pipe by being arranged over and end of the pipe. In Figs. 2 to 6, inclusive, of the drawings we have illustrated a form of the invention which may be mounted on a string of drill pipe, or the like, by being arranged around the pipe without being slid over its end, while in Figs. 7 to 9, inclusive, of the drawings we have illustrated a form of the invention intended to be slid over an end of the pipe into operating posi-V tion..

The form ci' the invention illustrated in Figs. 2 to 6, inclusive, of the drawings includes, generally, a cage 10 adapted to be arranged on a drill pipe P, or a drill collar F, or the like, means 11 for setting or locking the cage 10 on the drill pipe, and a plu rality of guiding or bearing parts in the form of rollers 12 carried by the cage 10.

The cage 10 is provided to carry the rollers 12 and is in the nature of a. substantially annular assembly. The cage 10 includes two spaced rings which we will term upper and lower rings 13 and 14, respectively. The

rings 13 and 14 are spaced apart longitudinally or vertically of the drill pipe P, and are connected by circumferentially spaced longitudinal spacer ribs 15. The rings 13 and 14 are proportioned to extend or lit around a drill pipe P, or the like, and their inner sides are formed to effectively seat against or engage the exterior of the pipe. In the particular form of the invention illus trated in Figs. 2 to 6, inclusive, of the draw'- ings the inner sides of each of the rings 13 and'14 are adapted to engage the drill pipe at spaced points. The inner edges of the rings 13 and 14 are provided with alternate depressions and inwardly extending projections 16. The projections 16 of the rings 13 and 14 are in longitudinal or vertical alignment when the cage is in operative position on the drill pipe.v The projections 16 may be curved as illustrated in the drawings.

In the form of thev invention illustrated in Figs. 2 to 6, inclusive, of the drawings, the

A cage 10 is adapted to be arranged in operating position on a drill pipe, or the like, without 'being slid over an end of the pipe. The rings 13 and 14 are longitudinally split at substantially diametrically opposite points so that the cage is divided into two substantially like sections A and D. The rings 13 and 14 are split or divided at points between the spacing ribs 15. Each section may be Aan integral unit or may be constructed or built up in other manners as desired. The sections A and D are hinged or pivoted together adjacent one of their lines of division by a pivot pin 17 extending through openings 18 in overlapping parts 2O on the sections..

The overlapping parts 20 of the sections A and D are related and fitted together so that the sections are held against relative longitudinal movement. The `pin 17 may extend completely through the overlapping parts 20 and'may be provided at its opposite ends with heads 21 which positively prevent displacen either longitudinally or circumferentially on.

the pipe. The means 11 includes means for locking or holding the free or outer ends of the sections A and D together and grips or pipe gripping parts 22 for gripping the drill pipe P. In accordance with the form of the invention illustrated in Figs. 2 to 6, inclusive, of the drawings the means for locking the free ends of the sections A and D together is in the form of a wedge means for tightly clamping the sections onto the drill `pipe P so that the grips 22 bite into the drill pipe P.

The free or outer ends ofthe sections A and D ofthe cage 10 are provided with overlapping portions which extend over one another or overlap when thesections are arranged around the drill pipe P. In the particular case illust-rated, the section D is provided with tongues 23 adapted to seat in recesses 24 in the outer end ofthe section A to overlap portions 25 on'the section A. A longitudinally tapered wedge pin 28 is adapted to be arranged or driven through openings 29 in the overlapping tongues 23 and Vportions 25 to securely clamp the sections onto the drill pipe P. The wedge receiving openings 29 of the section D are preferably made elongated and are positioned and related so that when the wedge pin 28 is driven through them into locking position the sections A and D tightly grip the drill pipe P. The overlapping portions at the free ends of thel sections A and'D fit together with sufficient clearance to permit the arranging of the wedge pin 28 through the openings 29 and 31. The large end ofthe wedge pin 28 is provided with a head 33 which, in the particular case shown, may seat against the upper side oi the por tion 23 of the upper ring 13. The small or reduced end of the pin 28 is adapted to project from the cage 10 and in the case illustrated projects downwardly from the lower ring 14. A washer 34 may be reta-ined on the projecting lower end of the pin 28 by a suitable keyV 35 to lock the pin 28 in position. L

The grips or gripping parts 22 are provided on the rings 13 and 14 to grip or bite into the drill pipe P when the locking pin 28 is driven into retaining position so that the cage 10 is positively prevented from shifting on the pipe. In this Jform of the invention a plurality of grips 22 are provided on each of the rings 13 and 14. The grips 22 are set in recesses or sockets 23a in the inner sides of the rings 13 and 14. The `grips 22 may be arranged in the projections 16 on the inner sides of the rings and may be provided with sharpened ends which proj ectradially inward from the rings 13 and 14 to grip the pipe P. The grips 22 may be formed of hard metal and may be itted tightly in the sockets 23a. When the wedge pin 28 is driven through the openings in the overlapping portionsof the rings 13 and 14 the pointed projecting ends of the grips 22 bite into the drill pipe P to securely hold the cage 10 against movement on the drill pipe P. In practice small notches or sockets may/.be punched or otherwise formed intheV wall of the drill pipe to receive the grips. Y

The bearing rollers 12 are rotatably carried by the cage 10 and are provided `for engaging the interior of the casing C or the formation of the well bore W to guide and protect the drill pipe and to prevent exces-` sive wearing of the casing C. The rollers 12 35.are rotatably mounted between the rings 13 and 14 to rotate about vertical axes parallel to the axis of the drilling string. The rollers 12 may be formed of rubber, rubber composition, or any other suitable material, and

.their exteriors may be regular and parallel to their axes of rotation. The rollers 12 may` be equally spaced about the axis of the cage and the upper and lower ends of the rollers 12 may be rounded as illustrated in the draw- 45ings. The rollers 12 are proportioned and mounted so that they project outwardly beyond the outer sides of the rings 13 and 14 so that they are adapted to engage the casing C or the wall of the well bore W. The inner 50 sides of the rollers 12 are spaced a short distance from the exterior of the drill pipe P or other member on which the cage 10 is mounted.

The rollers 12 are rotatably mounted on vertical pins or shafts 36 extending between the rings 13 and 14. In the form of theV invention illustrated in Figs. 1 to 6, inclusive,

of the drawings the rollers 12 are provided with bushings 37 for operation on the shafts 36. In the event that the rollers 12 are formed of rubber, the bodies of the rollers may be directly molded or vulcanized onto the bushings 37. The pins 36 are preferably carried by the rings 13 and 14 at points outwardly of or opposite the projections 16. In the case illustrated a roller 12 is mounted in alignment with each of the projections 16. The lower ends of the pins 36 seat into sockets 40 in the lower ring 14, while the upper ends of the pins extend into openingsy 41 in the upper ring 13.- rIhe openings 41 may extend completely through the ring 13 so that pins 36 may be inserted through them into operating positions. A plug 42 may be providedin each of the openings 41 at-the ends of the' pins 36 to close the openings.'- The outer edges of the openings 41 may be peened over as illustrated at 43 in Fig. 3'of the drawings to retain the plugs 42 andpins 36 in position.

Longitudinal openings 44 may extend fromv the lower end of the lower ring 14 to the sockets 40. `The openings 44 are of less diameter than the sockets 40 and are adapted to receive a punch or drift for driving-they f pins 36 through the rollers 12 and openings 41 when it is desired to remove the rollers forreplacement, etc. l

In Figs. 7 to 9, inclusive, of the drawing we have illustrated a simple form of the invention adapted to be arranged on the drill pipe P, or the like, by being slid over `an end of the pipe.` This form of the invention includes a cage 10a adapted to be applied to the drill pipe P. The cage 10amay include an upper ring 13a and a lower ring 14a. The rings 13a and 14a may be connected by circumferentially spaced ribs 15a. The cage 10a may be in the nature of an integral structure. The inner sides of the rings 13aand 14a may be provided withspaced inwardly extending projections 16a'for` engaging the exterior of" the pipe P.

Bearing rollers 12JI are rotatably carried by the cage 10a for engaging the interior of the casing C or the well bore 'W. The rollers 12a are rotatably mounted on vertical `shafts,

or pins 50 extending between the4 rings 13a and 14a. The pins 50may be carried by the rings in the same manner as the pins 36 ofthe form of the invention just described. The rollers 12a may be formed of rubber, or the like, and their exteriors may be smooth and parallel to their axes of rotation. In this form of the invention the rollers 12a may be rotatably mounted directly on the pins 50.

Means is provided for securely settingor locking the cage 1()a onto a drill pipe P, or the through the rings 13a and 14a and the gripf ping parts 51 may be driven into gripping engagement with the pipe P from therexlos terior of the rings. In accordance with this form of the invention means is provided for setting or holding the gripping parts 51 in gripping engagement with the pipe. A set screw-53 is threaded into each of the openings 52 'to clamp inwardly against the gripping part-S51. The set screws 53 may be of the socket head type and may be flush with l? the exterior of the rings .13a and 14a or may l@ sired'or necessary number of protectors arranged on the string at any desired points. It is to be noted that the form of protector illustrated in Figs. 2 to 6, inclusive,'of the drawings is particularly Aeasyto apply to a pipe and grips the pipel very securely. It is to be further noted that the rollers l2 are mountedso that lateral thrust or strain received by them will not cause the pins 36 to be bent or distorted or cause the rollers to be crushed. The rollers are mounted so that their inner sides are spaced a short distance from the pipe P so that they are compressed into engagement ywith the pipe when they are subjected to pressure. It will be further noted that the rollers l2 are mounted so that they are not subjected to becoming niudded up. In the form of the invention illustrated in Figs. 2 toG, inclusive,`of the drawings the 4device may be readily removed from a drill pipo, or the like, by driving the wed ge pin 28 from the sections A and D to free the sections from the drill pipe. The rollers 12 are easily r.replaced by driving the pins 36 through vthe openings 4:1.

The form of the invention illustrated in Figs. 7 to 9, inclusive, of the drawings may be removed from the drill pipe by unscrewing the set screws 53 and tapping or otherwise manipulating the cage 10 to release thev grips 5l from the pipe.

Having described only typical, preferred forms of our invention, we do not wish to limit ourselves to the speciiic details set forth, but wish to reserve to ourselves any changes or variations that may appear to those skilled in the art or fall within the scope of the following claims:

Having described our invention, we claim: l.. A device of the character described Iadapted to be used in connection with a ing part vcarried by the cage to have its outer side projecting from the cage and its inner side adjacent the pipe so as to compress against the pipe when distorted.

2. A device for use on a string of drill pipe including, a cage to be arranged around a lengthof pipe of the string, means for holding the cage against 4movement `on the pipe, including a gripping part on the cage to bite into thepipe, and a plurality ot yielding rollers rotatably carried by thecage and adapted to be compressed against the pipe when distorted.

3. A device for use on a string of drill pipe including, a cage to be arranged around the string, means for holding the cage against movement on the string, including a sharpened gripping part on the cage, and means for forcing the gripping part into the drill pipe, and a rotatable yielding roller on the cage projecting from the cage and adapted to be compressed against the pipe when distorted.

4. A bearing device for a string otdrill pipe including, acage adapted to be arranged on the string including, spaced. rings adaptedto surround a length of pipe, and rotatable yieldable vrollers between the rings, the peripheries of the rollers being adjacent the eX- terior of the string so as to engage the pipe when the rollers ,are distorted inwardly.

5. A vbearing device for al string of drill pipe including, a cage adapted to be arranged on the drill pipe, the cage including two vertically spaced rings, and a spacer rib connecting the rings, and a plurality ot yielding rollers between'the rings rotatable about vertical axes, the outer sides of the rollers projecting beyond the rings and the inner sides` of the rollers being spaced a short distance from the drill pipe so as to engage the pipe when the rollers are distorted inwardly.

6. A bearing device for a stringot drill pipe including, a cage adapted to be arranged on the drill pipe, the cage including two vertically spaced rings,vand a spacer rib connecting the rings, a plurality of rubber rollers. and shafts extending between the rings and carrying the rollers for rotation about vertical aXesthe outer sides of the rollers projecting beyond the rings and the inner sides of the rollers being spaced a short distance from the drill pipe so as to engage the pipe when the rollers are distorted'inwardly.

7 A bearing device for a string ot drill pipe including, Y a cage adapted to be arranged on the drill pipe, the cage including two spaced rings, and ribsl rigidly connecting the rings, means for holding the cage against movement on the pipe, and a plurality oi circumterentially spaced rubber rollrings, means for holding the cage against movement on the pipe, a shaft extending between the rings, and a yielding rubber roller rotatable on the shaft and projecting beyond the rings and having its inner portions adj acent the pipe so as to compress against the pipe when distorted by blows against the well wall.

9. A bearing device for a string of drill pipe including, a cage adapted to be arranged on the drill pipe, the cage including two spaced rings, and ribs rigidly connecting the rings, means for holding the cage against movement on the pipe, a removable shaft extending between the rings, and a. yielding roller rotatable on the sha-ft and projecting beyond the rings and having its inner portions adjacent the pipe to compress against the pipe when the roller is distorted, the shaft having an end seated in a socket in one ring, and extending into an opening through the other ring.

10. A bearing device for a string of drill pipe including, a cage adapted to be arranged on the drill pipe, the cage including two spaced rings, and ribs connecting the rings, means for holding the cage against movement on the pipe, a shaft extending parallel to the drill pipe having one end seated in a socket in one ring and having the other end extending into an opening through the other ring, a plug in the opening at the end of the shaft, and a yielding roller rotatable on the shaft and projecting outward beyond the rings and having its inner portions adjacent the pipe to compress against the pipe when the roller is distorted.

1l. A bearing device for a string of drill pipe including, a cage adapted to be arranged on the drill pipe, the cage including two spaced rings, and ribs connecting the rings, means for holding the cage against movement on the pipe, said means including a plurality of grips seated in sockets in the rings and having pointed ends projecting inward from the rings, and a plurality of circumferentially spaced yielding rollers rotatably mounted between the rings to rotate about axes parallel to the axis of the pipe, the rollers projecting outward beyound the cage to engage the well walls and having their inner portions adjacent the pipe to compress against the pipe when the rollers are distorted.

l2. A protective device for a string of pipe or the like, operating in a well bore including a rigid cage adapted to surround the said 13. A protective device for a string of pipe or the like operating in a well bore including a rigid cage adapted to surround the said string and including vertically spaced parts, means for holding the cage against movement on the string, yielding members arranged between the spaced parts, tubular metal bushings carried by and extending longitudinally through the members, and pins extending through the bushings and extending between and carried by the said spaced parts, the members projecting outward beyond the cage to engage the well wall and having their inner portions adjacent the pipe so as to compress against the pipe when the members are distorted.

In witness that we claim the foregoing we have hereunto subscribed our names this 15th day of March, 1930.

EDWARD CRAIG. WILLIAM O'. COOPER.

string and including vertically spaced parts,

means for holding the cage against movement on the string, andv yielding members mounted between the spaced parts and projecting outward beyond the cage to engage the well walls and having their inner portions normally spaced from the string and adapted to compress against the string when the members are distorted. 

